That's my understanding of the law in TJ.
I'd like those who say prostitution per se is illegal in TJ to cite the statute. I don't think they can because I don't think it exists.
This is a topic (like the need for an Rx to buy Viagra) is one on which I doubt people will ever agree. Below is what I've posted on another site.
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Here is my understanding of the law governing prostitution in Tijuana. I have an acquaintance that is now an attorney. He has a visa and I took him to Donovan’s to celebrate his passing the bar. What follows is what he told me during our dinner.
As in the US, there is no Mexican national law governing prostitution. It’s a matter of state and municipal law so consequently the law on prostitution varies throughout Mexico. The following applies to Tijuana.
The law is silent on the act of prostitution; hence it is legal. However, many prostitution related activities are illegal.
--Public manifestation of prostitution is illegal.
--Pimping and pandering is illegal.
--Running a brothel is illegal.
--Corruption of minors is illegal.
--Public nudity/sex is illegal. (No nude sunbathing. Don’t do it in a car or the movies)
--Driving while embracing a passenger is illegal.
Public manifestation of prostitution is something like solicitation in the US. In the Zona Norte many prostitution laws are not enforced. Hence you see chicas in the bars and on the sidewalks soliticing business.
A health card is required for a chica to engage in public manifestation of prostitution and/or work in certain types of establishments. This is slightly different than needing a health card to engage in prostitution per se.
Also, prostitution is illegal if the prostitute lacks mental capacity. Usually this is viewed as the prostitute being mentally retarded. But technically it could be applied to an intoxicated bar girl. Hotel entrances are usually located outside the bar. That's to help protect them from being considered a brothel.
So can you and a chica walk hand in hand to a hotel outside the Zona Norte? Yes, but if the cops decide you are engaged in public manifestation of prostitution you could have problems. If you can prove you are really boyfriend/girlfriend then no worries, otherwise you could be made to pay a fine. (Up to about $135.00. See: http://www.tijuana.gob.mx/Turismo/TouristGuide/English/pag6.asp
And http://www.tijuana.gob.mx/Reglamentos/)
Prostitution in and of itself is not illegal, but being seen engaging in prostitution is illegal. What’s the difference? That’s hard to say, so be careful outside a Zone of Tolerance.
I'd like those who say prostitution per se is illegal in TJ to cite the statute. I don't think they can because I don't think it exists.
This is a topic (like the need for an Rx to buy Viagra) is one on which I doubt people will ever agree. Below is what I've posted on another site.
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Here is my understanding of the law governing prostitution in Tijuana. I have an acquaintance that is now an attorney. He has a visa and I took him to Donovan’s to celebrate his passing the bar. What follows is what he told me during our dinner.
As in the US, there is no Mexican national law governing prostitution. It’s a matter of state and municipal law so consequently the law on prostitution varies throughout Mexico. The following applies to Tijuana.
The law is silent on the act of prostitution; hence it is legal. However, many prostitution related activities are illegal.
--Public manifestation of prostitution is illegal.
--Pimping and pandering is illegal.
--Running a brothel is illegal.
--Corruption of minors is illegal.
--Public nudity/sex is illegal. (No nude sunbathing. Don’t do it in a car or the movies)
--Driving while embracing a passenger is illegal.
Public manifestation of prostitution is something like solicitation in the US. In the Zona Norte many prostitution laws are not enforced. Hence you see chicas in the bars and on the sidewalks soliticing business.
A health card is required for a chica to engage in public manifestation of prostitution and/or work in certain types of establishments. This is slightly different than needing a health card to engage in prostitution per se.
Also, prostitution is illegal if the prostitute lacks mental capacity. Usually this is viewed as the prostitute being mentally retarded. But technically it could be applied to an intoxicated bar girl. Hotel entrances are usually located outside the bar. That's to help protect them from being considered a brothel.
So can you and a chica walk hand in hand to a hotel outside the Zona Norte? Yes, but if the cops decide you are engaged in public manifestation of prostitution you could have problems. If you can prove you are really boyfriend/girlfriend then no worries, otherwise you could be made to pay a fine. (Up to about $135.00. See: http://www.tijuana.gob.mx/Turismo/TouristGuide/English/pag6.asp
And http://www.tijuana.gob.mx/Reglamentos/)
Prostitution in and of itself is not illegal, but being seen engaging in prostitution is illegal. What’s the difference? That’s hard to say, so be careful outside a Zone of Tolerance.